We all need trust in our lives to make connections. Trust is built upon transparency, exploration, connection, and communication. We all know we spend more time at work than almost anywhere else. So what are you doing to build trust with your team?

Building trust at work is a pretty hard task. It is hard to maintain too. So why even bother? Trust creates great teams, supports innovation, and allows your team to grow. I have seen great teams pull together to deliver exceptional client experiences. I have seen teams fall apart due to stress, poor communication - basically broken trust. Being part of a broken team is just horrible, you want out of there as fast as possible.

Trust brings out our inner rainbows (and all that jazz) and it allows us to:

Connect our personal values with the organisation's,

Grow and evolve in the workplace,

The freedom to explore

Be open to new ideas and experiences

(and the above can also be said about organisations and how they can establish trust with us.) We are all inspired by workplaces that trust us. So what are some easy step for you as a leader to build trust in your caring workplace? Can it be that easy?

Transparency

Building transparent practices and experiences happens through removing assumptions and ambiguity to allow people to see why you are making certain decisions OR asking these questions to your supervisor. Transparency in organisations is ESSENTIAL. Organisations must prove they are honest, own up to failures, and allow employees to see their vulnerabilities. TBuilding trust and ownership at all levels.

Communication

Good and bad feedback (with tact of course!) is essential in any team. If people quit because of constructive criticism - are these the people you want on your team anyway? Listening, really listening to the needs of your team vital if we are to grow and work on our strengths within our roles. Feedback helps us do just that.Yes, you used to just be able to tell a junior to do task X, but now you have to spend 10 minute explaining it to them. It’s worth it - trust me.

Exploration

Autonomy over processes and roles, allowing people to try new things out side of the ‘norm’. Anything that allows someone to own a project and the process will allow them to grow. Yes, monitor and ask questions but the freedom to do this in an a way they want is simply one of the best feelings in the world. This can be creating a new project they are passionate about, or allowing them to take on a task to increase their leadership skills. Trust in your team’s ability to explore within their roles (you hired the best right?).

Connection

All of these things are great but if you don’t know how to connect with people you aren’t going to lead effectively for long. Do you know what is going on outside of work? We can’t just leave our lives at the door anymore. Create time to connect on a personal level. What drives them in their job, what makes them smile, where to they see themselves in 5 years time?

Leaders must be able to take people on a journey, understanding the people they are leading is vital to creating trust and a rockstar team. It's even more important as we continue to create multi-generational teams.

Build lasting trust with your young workers helps them see that this is all possible with you as their leader. Are you ready for the challenge?

Comment below. Tell us how you build trust in your team, or any challenges you have along the way. We’re here to listen, cheer, and help where we can.